Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the all-new 2017 Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The fourth-generation Sportage, KMA’s longest-running nameplate, wraps stunning contemporary design around a structure that is both stiffer and more spacious than before. Advanced driver assistance technologies, significant suspension and steering improvements, and available intelligent AWD vastly improve the Sportage’s driving dynamics while premium materials and world-class craftsmanship create a class-up experience in an otherwise utilitarian segment.
“Simply put, the Sportage is a breed apart in the compact CUV segment,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “Instead of bland utility, the Sportage combines distinctly European and sporty styling with thoughtful design and functionality, including innovative packaging, premium materials, a turbocharged engine and surprising features. Sales of compact CUVs are on a sharply upward trajectory, and the all-new 2017 Sportage hits the sweet spot by providing an alternative for those seeking to express themselves with a vehicle that’s versatile enough to suit their unique lifestyle.”
The all-new Sportage’s roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship, with high-quality, soft-touch materials and a range of technologies improving overall comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Updates to the drivetrain provide enhanced efficiency and performance, while changes to the suspension deliver better ride and handling. Like the outgoing model, the all-new Sportage will be built at Kia’s production facility in Gwangju, Korea, and be available in three distinct trim levels (LX, EX, SX Turbo) when it goes on sale next year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Sportage’s on-sale date.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7436354-2017-kia-sportage-l-a-auto-show-debut/
Food Network kicks off the New Year with a new season of Worst Cooks in America, the hit competition series that transforms kitchen disasters into skilled cooks, and five-time winner Chef Anne Burrell returning for a rematch against Chef Tyler Florence. Premiering on Sunday, January 3rd at 9pm ET/PT, the seven episode series pits Anne against Tyler, each leading a team of disastrous cooks in an intense kitchen boot camp designed to vastly improve the food skills of their recruits. The contestant who makes the most impressive culinary transformation is awarded a $25,000 grand prize, in addition to delivering victory and bragging rights for their team leader.
“Worst Cooks is comical, competitive and ultimately, inspiring,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “Under Anne and Tyler's guidance, these cooking-challenged contenders transform their hilarious kitchen blunders to refined culinary techniques - and the journey is truly entertaining to watch.”
In the season premiere, Anne and Tyler are confronted with some of the worst cooks they've ever seen during an open casting call. They then chose fourteen recruits including a lunch lady, truck driver, Army veteran and special education teacher to send to boot camp, and each contestant whips up the “offending dish” that landed them in hot water. After a stomach-wrenching tasting, Anne and Tyler pick their teams and attempt to teach them to make a well-balanced meal. Two recruits are not up to the task, and are sent home. Upcoming episodes feature a game show - style battle called “Family Food,” internationally-flavored empanada and Asian street food challenges and a visit from the competitors’ loved ones. The season culminates in a finale on Sunday, February 14th at 9pm ET/PT where the most improved recruit is awarded $25,000 and bragging rights for their mentor.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7619231-food-network-worst-cooks-in-america/
Nearly 50 vehicles meet tougher criteria for 2016 to take home the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, earning good ratings in all five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations and an advanced or higher rating for front crash prevention. An additional 13 models qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.
The baseline requirements for both awards are good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash prevention system. The 48 winners of the “plus” award have a superior- or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities. These vehicles must stop or slow down without driver intervention before hitting a target in tests at 12 mph, 25 mph or both. Models with a basic-rated front crash prevention system, which typically only issues a warning and doesn’t brake, qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.
IIHS inaugurated TOP SAFETY PICK in the 2006 model year to help consumers home in on vehicles with the best safety performance. The TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade was introduced in 2012 to recognize vehicles that offer an advanced level of safety.
INRIX®, Inc., a global leader for transportation analytics, today released its 2015 Traffic Scorecard, a benchmark for governments and agencies in the U.S. and Europe to measure progress in improving urban mobility.
The report reveals the U.S. faces large challenges to solve congestion issues, fueled by continued economic and population growth, higher employment rates and declining gas prices. Cities that have experienced the most economic improvement during the past year are at highest risk for consequences related to worsened traffic conditions, including reduced productivity, higher emissions and increased stress levels. For example, Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Boston all saw reduced unemployment rates bringing them below the national average of 5.3 percent for 2015.1 However, according to the INRIX Traffic Scorecard, congestion in those cities alone combined to waste 1.5 billion hours for daily car commuters last year. Nationwide, commuters spent a total of more than eight billion extra hours stuck in traffic, representing almost 50 hours per driver.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7775551-inrix-2015-traffic-scorecard/
The Big Apple today is playing host to the world debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza at the New York International Auto Show. The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.
“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking, aggressively handsome looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Everything you see and touch in the Cadenza’s cabin has been improved, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”
The second-generation Cadenza is set to go on-sale in late 2016, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7731856-2017-kia-cadenza-nyias/
Hyundai Motor America today unveiled the Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric models for the U.S. market at the New York International Auto Show. The Ioniq eco-focused vehicle is the first in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform. Hyundai’s approach for the Ioniq line delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience coupled with the latest in safety and convenience technologies, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers. The Hyundai Ioniq is an important milestone in Hyundai’s global sustainability strategy.
“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”
The driving experience inside Ioniq is enhanced through state-of-the art connectivity features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, as well as wireless charging of smartphones. Even more, the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster displays all key driver information with outstanding resolution. Ioniq also offers the very latest in advanced safety, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control, for high levels of both active and passive vehicle safety.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7506053-hyundai-ioniq-model-debut-nyias/
Volvo Cars is teaming up with footballing icon Zlatan Ibrahimović again for the European launch campaign of the V90 premium estate in advance of the European Championships football tournament. The campaign will go live tonight on national TV stations and on Social Media platforms.
The new campaign shows the former Paris Saint-Germain striker, a long-time Volvo driver and fan, looking back at his rise from humble beginnings in one of Sweden’s toughest neighbourhoods in Malmö to international sporting stardom.
Zlatan, who is currently preparing for the European Championships feels a close affinity with the Swedish car brand.
“I’m happy to be working with Volvo Cars again. I’ve seen the new cars, I’ve driven and tested them. And I think they’re fantastic. Just like me, Volvo has gone their own way and dared to think differently. The previous campaign we did was good, but this time it’s Made by Zlatan,” said Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“The campaign is a celebration of the independent mind, of the power that lies in the ability to think differently. There are many similarities between Zlatan’s and Volvo’s journeys. We haven’t gotten to where we are now by doing the same as everyone else,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Volvo Car Group.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7848551-volvo-cars-v90-campaign-zlatan-ibrahimovic/
Drivers of vehicles with good small overlap front ratings from the Insurance Institute from Highway Safety can expect to be protected well in a frontal crash involving the left corner of the vehicle. But how would the passengers sitting next to them fare in a right-side small overlap crash? A new study shows that good protection doesn’t always extend across the front seat.
The Institute conducted 40 mph passenger-side small overlap tests on seven small SUVs with good driver-side small overlap ratings. Only one of the vehicles, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, performed at a level corresponding to a good rating, and the others ran the gamut from poor to acceptable.
The results have prompted IIHS to consider instituting a passenger-side rating as part of its TOP SAFETY PICK criteria.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7856251-ad-council-embrace-refugees/
Quadriplegic former IndyCar driver and current team owner Sam Schmidt completed the bottom half of the challenging, high-altitude Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb yesterday in the Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) Semi-Autonomous Motorcar (SAM car).
Schmidt, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a crash during an IndyCar practice lap in 2000, is able to steer, accelerate and brake the modified 2016 Corvette Z06 SAM car using only his head. Sensors mounted on an Arrow-designed high-tech headset that Schmidt wears connect to infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard and detect his head-tilt motions to steer. A sip-and-puff device that Smith breathes into enables him to accelerate and brake.
Esurance caused a bit of a scene. The home and auto insurer staged a fender bender to encourage safe driving, an important message to address the recent series of car accidents caused by people playing mobile games while driving.
The scene on Chicago’s popular Magnificent Mile featured a car’s run-in with a hot dog cart, all caused by a fictional distracted driver and Esurance mobile game-inspired creature that causes fender benders, the Fenderbendix. As visitors walked past the jarring scene, they discovered that nobody was hurt. And they learned an important message about safe driving, smart people #DontCatchAndDrive.
“We’re always looking for unexpected, relatable ways to connect with people. Staging this scene allowed us to capture people’s attention and send an important message about safe driving,” said Alan Gellman, chief marketing officer at Esurance. “We understand the appeal of exciting modern technology like augmented reality gaming, but we want people to be smart about how they use it.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7910451-esurance-don%E2%80%99t-catch-and-drive/
PORTER CABLE® announces the launch of its 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver (PCCK607LB) and 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Impact Driver (PCCK647LB), which are both part of the new Brushless EDGE™ family of tools. The 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver and 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Impact Driver are extensions to the 20V MAX* Get Linked System® tools, a range of professional cordless core tools at a great price. These two tools operate on any PORTER CABLE 20V MAX* Lithium Ion battery. Integrating brushless motor technology for the first time in its system of tools, these two new PORTER CABLE brushless products offer up to 50% more runtime** to minimize downtime on the jobsite.
The 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver (PCCK607LB) boasts more runtime as well as 20% more power and improved bit retention compared to the prior model (PCC601). Its efficient brushless motor, high-speed transmission, and 1.5Ah battery deliver up to 370 Max Watts Out (MWO) to maximize drilling and fastening speeds. A two-speed gear transmission delivers 0-450 Rotations Per Minute (RPM) in low speed for high-torque applications and 0-1,800 RPM in high speed for maximum fastening speed. Since compact size is an important feature for professionals, the 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver is just 7.4 inches in length and weighs only 3.3 pounds with its battery.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7517856-porter-cable-announces-brushless-edge/
The first all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza rolled off the assembly line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), officially launching the first-ever American-built Impreza from the automaker. The Impreza had historically been produced only in Japan. The start of Impreza production marks the culmination of more than three years of preparation and highlights the consistent growth in Subaru demand in the United States (U.S.). The positive economic impact of that growth is clear in the investment Subaru made to increase SIA’s production capacity and prepare for Impreza production. SIA invested $1.3 billion over the past four years, and hired an additional 1,400 associates in the past year.
“In a time when some manufacturers are moving work out of the United States, we’re proud to be bringing Subaru Impreza production to the heartland of America,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of SIA. “The move has allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs not only at SIA, but also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza is the first vehicle built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility and driving pleasure. Available in sedan and 5-door models, the 2017 Impreza is equipped with new driver assist technology, multimedia features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new Impreza will be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines starting in late 2016.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7673252-subaru-impreza-first-2017-american-made/
